Abie Nathan - RIP

I have to report the sad news of the death of Abie Nathan, tonight in Tel Aviv, at the age of 81. Abie's name will not be known to many in the UK. Until a couple of years ago, I had barely heard his name, but attending the (Offshore) Radio Day 2006 in Amsterdam, I was able to plug the gaps in my knowledge. Abie was an Israeli campaigner for peace, to such an extent he set up his own offshore radio station, the Voice of Peace, to bring the message of peace to a troubled and divided Middle East. I got to learn more about this man and to respect him for his beliefs and what he stood for and his tenacity in getting across his message for peace. There's a good obituary in the International Herald Tribune.

My parents' lives were ruined because of World War 2 and even growing up in my teens I was aware of the continuing conflicts in the world, that brought misery to those unfortunate people caught up in them. It's ironic that tonight I posted John Lennon's "Imagine" - John gave money to help fund the "Voice of Peace". I now dedicate the track to Abie and I salute a great man, may he rest in peace and may his memory live on in future generations. Sad news but let us be thankful for him and his contribution.

The above photos of Abie Nathan and the "Voice of Peace" ship are reproduced by kind permission of Dr. Martin van der Ven and his website http://www.offshore-radio.de.

A cool message...

and some stunning photography. Click on this link and enjoy.

Wake up call

Beware the next time you hear the alarm going off - click this link to see the fate that could await should you choose to ignore the call!!

Al's Offshore Radio Classics - 20080727

A few weeks ago I was invited to join a Yahoo music Group. It soon became apparent that there were a number of Offshore Radio fans in the group so I decided to post some theme tunes and jingles from the "Watery wireless" days. This has now continued for a few weeks and I've decided to make my postings available through this blog.

Here is a tracklisting of the first posting.

1. Fortunes - Caroline
2. Radio Caroline - Caroline on 199 (Jenny Conway Station ID from 1964) & Bulova Watch Time
3. Radio London Theme (Big Lil) - PAMS jingle
4. Les Reed - Man Of Action
5. Johnny Howard Band - Rinky-Dink (Tom Lodge Theme Tune)
6. Brian Fahey And His Orchestra - At The Sign Of The Swinging Cymbal (Pick of the Pops theme)
7. Mood Mosaic - A Touch Of Velvet, A Sting Of Brass (DLT theme tune)
A narrative describing the posting is also included.

For the link to the download file, please see the comment in this blog.

The blogging starts here!

I figured it was high time I started blogging, so here I am. I know, I'm a bit slow getting round to some things, but I do get there eventually!

This blog will cover a wide range of subjects, from soul music to offshore radio to politics, there's a risky range! I'm a complex person in some ways, hopefully this will reflect the real me! Anyway, I'll be back shortly with some thoughts.